A young student asked Lo Zu, “When a firefly is full of light, does that mean that it is undergoing satori or full enlightenment?”
“No,” the sage answered, “Fireflies groom themselves often, making themselves orderly and spotless, but that is not enough for them — insects who live with separateness and competition — to receive immeasurable enlightenment.”
“What will happen if I receive such enlightenment?” the lad asked.
Lo Zu then answered, “If the limitless, unadulterated energy of the cosmos visits you and flows through you, you will look slightly physically different but you will not physically glow and, additionally, the fingers of the hands may contract (making it difficult to move), but usually that visitation occurs when one is alone and not among others.”
“I see,” said the student.
“After the visitation,” said Lo Zu, “you will look just like everyone else and, of course, the hands will easily move again; however, your mind will be much different. You will be glowing on the inside and will have seen.”
“Seen what?” the young lad enquired.
“Seen what is unseeable; met what is indescribable,” said Lo Zu.
“Is it the sacred?” the young boy asked.
With a tear in his eye and a concomitant smile on his face, Lo Zu answered, “Perhaps!”
Then Lo Zu graciously remarked, “Listen, Firefly, surpass fireflyness.”
Firefly Grooming Itself… Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2018
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Lol, “Listen, Firefly, surpass fireflyness.” Guess he was already enlightened and did not know…
Well, that is not quite what i meant! 🙂 It was meant more to be a challenge, from Lo Zu to the young lad, to attain enough purity for that “otherness” to be able to visit. The “satori” or “enlightenment” that i was referring to is not merely some kind of mental wisdom or understanding but, rather, is when the holistic intelligent, immeasurable energy of the universe visits for some time.
Oh…. Ok. I understand much better now. Thank you
🙂
Absolutely wonderful Tom
Thank you very much! Surpass fireflyness! 🙂
All things wise and wonderful!
🙂 If the world was like that, we’d all be a lot better off!
Great image! I had some firefly enlightenment about a month ago – walking a labyrinth at dusk with fireflies all around me. What I learned (the painful way) is that areas full of fireflies may also be full of chiggers.
Oh my! An itchy experience! 🙂
Wonderful, and I love to study your beautiful photographs!
Much appreciated, Susan! It was fun to do! 🙂
Enchanting firefly and lesson, Tom.
Thanks, Sandy! Surpass fireflyness! 🙂
I totally agree with sandywhite, Thomas. Have a nice day, now that the “rattlesnake” is in Europe:) Regards Mitza
Keep that fat rattler! He’s too mean for us! 🙂
Hoping your weekend is wonderful! 🙂
No thank you, I’m glad when he’s gone and we didn’t elect him:( Stephen Colbert just called him a “pricktator”, haha. You can delete my comment:) Regards Mitza
🙂
Beautiful and so detailed photo!😊 I must admit I didn’t understand much of the text (I’m only a Swede😁) But I know it’s chemical who make the firefly to glow.
Suggestion… Oftentimes there is a “translate” possibility at the upper right of your screen; if not, paste and copy and then put “Translate” for a search, and then paste it on one of the Translate Sites. 🙂
Thank you!
Well, many times is the translation much worst then my English. To speak is not the same in the translation apps. Therefor I write my post in English to. I know, I’m not an expert on English, but think I’m better then the translators who sometimes can translate a ordinary word to something dirty!😁😁😁
Is that what a firefly looks like? Wow!! Love the last line! We must always challenge ourselves! 🙂
Yes, the black wings are something!
Yes, we must challenge ourselves and go beyond the ordinary! 🙂
Yes, that’s what makes extraordinary 🙏😊
*us extraordinary. It’s late lol
Beautiful reflections! Somehow my fireflies never look as regal as the one you photographed.
Thank you, Kym!
I bet up close they do! 🙂
Good story. I’m a bit of a naturalist and preparing myself mentally to absorb my surroundings is the best analogy I can find with your philosophy.
Just by chance I just posted several firefly photos. If you can see them on a large screen you might be impressed by their magic.
I’ll look when i have time; i’m going to a Tropical Fish Auction today. 🙂
Good luck. Hope you get nice ones!
Fireflies groom themselves – who knew? I didn’t, but now I do thanks to your macro photo. A very interesting story as well.
Thanks, Linda! The story (which is partially true) was fun to do! 🙂